Renewing America

Please see the Renewing America blog for updated news and analysis on the domestic challenges facing the United States that have significant consequences for national security and foreign policy.

Renewing America is a special project launched in connection with CFR's 90th anniversary. The Renewing America initiative is supported in part by a generous grant from the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation.

The Domestic Underpinnings of U.S. Global Power

Premised on the understanding that the United States' ability to influence world events rests on a robust, competitive economy, CFR's Renewing America initiative sponsors meetings, research, analysis, recommendations, and outreach on how best to revitalize the country's economic strength and build the foundations for future prosperity and influence. The initiative focuses on six issues that affect the United States' ability to project its power abroad:

The Domestic Underpinnings of U.S. Global Power

Premised on the understanding that the United States' ability to influence world events rests on a robust, competitive economy, CFR's Renewing America initiative sponsors meetings, research, analysis, recommendations, and outreach on how best to revitalize the country's economic strength and build the foundations for future prosperity and influence. The initiative focuses on six issues that affect the United States' ability to project its power abroad:

Debt and deficits. America's national debt continues to grow and the solution will require tackling some of the thorniest issues in U.S. politics—taxes and entitlement spending.

Infrastructure. Upgrading the nation's aging network of roads, bridges, airports, railways, and water systems as well as infrastructure related to energy security is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness.

Education and human capital. A troubled education system and a flawed immigration process threaten U.S. capacity to develop a competitive workforce.

Corporate regulation and taxation. Regulatory burdens, offshore employment, and tax-shelter abuses have fed debate over the scope of rules for U.S.-based businesses.

Innovation. The rise of China, India, Brazil, and other emerging markets means the United States must innovate to remain competitive.

As a part of the Renewing America initiative, CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program generates innovative policy recommendations on revitalizing the U.S. economy and replenishing the sources of American power abroad. Drawing on the expertise of CFR scholars, along with leading experts and practitioners from around the world, Renewing America publications include:

Policy Innovation Memoranda. Written for policymakers and opinion leaders, these focused and rigorous policy briefs examine challenges to the domestic underpinnings of U.S. national security.

The initiative makes possible a robust Renewing America Roundtable series. The roundtable series draws on the substantial talents of the fellows in the David Rockefeller Studies Program. Meetings in this series examine how policies at home directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world. Meetings are held by invitation both at CFR's New York headquarters and Washington office.

The Renewing America Blog

The Renewing America blog is the initiative's portal for updated news and analysis on the domestic challenges that have significant consequences for U.S. national security and foreign policy.

The Future of U.S. Immigration Policy: Next Steps

CFR 90th Anniversary Series on Renewing America: The Future of Energy

Speakers:

Michael A. Levi, David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations, William F. Martin, Chairman, Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee, U.S. Department of Energy; Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

CFR Experts Guide

The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.

David Rockefeller Studies Program Contacts

For more information on the David Rockefeller Studies Program, contact: